Before & Beyond

  Before & Beyond

  All rights reserved © 2002 Patrick Welch

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from Double Dragon Publishing.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover design by Darcy Douglas

  ISBN: 1-894841-76-X

  First Edition eBook Publication August 22, 2002

  Before & Beyond

  Patrick Welch

  Introduction

  I volunteered to write this preamble for no other reason than I love the fiction of Patrick Welch. It really is that simple.

  I met Pat quite some time back, on the Jackhammer bulletin board. We both had stories that month in Titan Ezine. I had posted a message to the Jackhammer board about my piece. Patrick responded by saying (and I'm paraphrasing here), "You shouldn't toot your own horn like that in public. It's not polite. Allow me to do it instead." He proceeded to tell everyone how much he liked my story and mentioned his work as well.

  Off I surfed to Titan to read the first Patrick Welch story in a long list of titles... The Ganymede Incident. Immediately I was struck by three points that would continuously assail me about Pat's work each and every time I encountered it.

  First, I liked his style. Second, I enjoyed his mind (twisted as it was). And third, I was reading the work of a man who would one day enjoy a much larger audience.

  Patrick Welch became my favorite web author, after reading the first Westchester Station excerpt, when it appeared in Jackhammer. I loved the feel of the piece. His work etched itself even deeper into my admiration, when I read my first Brendell story in Eternity Online.

  But it wasn't until I read his book The Thirteenth Magician that I really appreciated the true scope of his genius. It was that book and his Westchester Station stories that propelled me to write these words.

  Patrick Welch, over the years, has become a friend. His humor and his intelligence have added to my enjoyment of life on the web, even if he did heckle me at my first Cybling Chat. His easygoing nature makes him a pleasure to chat with. And his consummate professionalism (in spite of an excess of semicolons) makes him a good man to work with.

  What can you expect to find within this volume? I won't even try to describe it. Nothing I say can prepare you for Patrick Welch. Even a man of words like me, can scarcely think of the appropriate adjectives to heap upon him. And being the modest fellow he is, it's unlikely that he'd do more than blush and turn away in any case.

  At least on one level, I truly envy some of the people reading this intro. Those of you that have yet to experience your first Patrick Welch story ...because you have no idea of what's in store for you.

  Those of you that have read him, know exactly what I'm talking about.

  Steve Lazarowitz

  Author’s Foreword

  This is the updated version of Before/Beyond, originally published by Crossroads Publications. I’ve rearranged the collection so the science fiction and fantasy stories are kept together. Those of you who prefer one genre can more easily read only that half of the book (although I would like to think you’d be cheating yourself). I’ve also added some new stories in both areas.

  Just a bit of a run-down:

  “Demon In a Box” and “Second Stage” appeared in Twilight Times

  “Bingo” appeared in Planet Relish

  “The Man Who Tuned the Glacier” appeared in The Orphic Chronicle

  “Cold Spell” and “The Ganymede Incident” appeared in Titan

  “Unfair Trade” appeared soooo long ago in Analog

  “The Chronograph,” “Festival of Forgotten Dreams,” “The Good Little Boy,” “Last Call at the Dew Drop Inn,” “Routine Maintenance” and “Frozen Assets” appeared in Jackhammer

  “Good Provider” appeared in Dark Muse

  “Ghosts of Dawn” appeared in Alternate Realities

  “Rock of Wages” and “The Hidden Princess” appeared in Pegasus Online

  Incidentally, “Ghosts of Dawn” is a Doakes/Haig adventure that occurs after the stories chronicled in my anthology The Casebook of Doakes and Haig.

  Enough foreplay. The stories await. Enjoy.

  Patrick Welch

  Dedication:

  To Barry H., Steve L., Kate S., Robyn W., Lida Q., Mark P., Rachael M., and so many more who have supported my writing efforts. And, as always, to Jessica.

  BEFORE

  DEMON IN A BOX

  Ahlbhenzer hid behind the outcropping of rock and watched as the knight warily approached. The man looked so proud and uncomfortable in his metal suit, the sun reflecting brightly off its surface and eliminating any possible element of surprise. Ahlbhenzer wondered briefly if the man was suffering as much from the heat and sun as he was, then decided it must be worse for his prey. Ahlbhenzer, after all, wasn't walking around in an oven. His claws drummed nervously on the boulder, his tail stirred up dust behind him. The magician's orders were clear: stop all from approaching my castle.

  It shouldn't be this way, he thought sadly; a demon under the thrall of a human. Without warning or explanation, his lord Fhennezel had plucked him like an apple off a tree and unceremoniously handed him over to the magician Cylydar, then vanished without another word. Since then he had been the human's to command and no matter how mundane or distasteful the task, Ahlbhenzer had little choice but to obey.

  The knight was getting closer now, closer to the trap Ahlbhenzer had set. He must be getting tired by now, and discouraged, Ahlbhenzer thought smugly. Struggling up a rock-strewn path, laden with heavy armor. Did he have any charms? An enhanced blade, anything that might actually prove dangerous? The young demon forced the thought aside.

  Ahlbhenzer pushed against his shielding rock one more time. Yes, it would roll quite nicely. Down the mountainside and into the narrow path leading to the castle. How fast can the knight run in his armor? he thought. Time to find out.

  Ahlbhenzer let out an ear-piercing, soul-freezing scream, one that echoed and re-echoed off the walls of the canyon until it sounded like a virtual army of demons was preparing to attack. Then he dug the claws of his feet into the dirt and shoved with all the strength of his three-foot demon frame. The boulder resisted only briefly, then began its journey down the mountainside. Ahlbhenzer followed, his wings flapping, his screams of rage still resounding off the rock walls.

  The knight stopped and withdrew his sword, then reconsidered when he saw the boulder coming his way. He quickly began a clanking retreat, one Ahlbhenzer encouraged by spitting an occasional ball of fire at him.

  The boulder finally wedged itself firmly in the narrow opening, effectively blocking that entrance, but Ahlbhenzer continued his increasingly slower pursuit until he reached the end of the magical tether the magician Cylydar had placed upon him, the tether that bound him hopelessly and helplessly.

  By now the knight was beyond the magician's territory and showing no signs of slowing his loud retreat. Ahlbhenzer released one more blast of fire before proudly flying back to see what havoc he had created.

  The boulder protected the path from any more incursions. Only magic or an army of men would be able to remove it. Or a demon. He rested atop the boulder and shrugged his wings. He would put it back later. Now he was tired from the hot sun – it was the harsh light, not heat, that troubled him -- and his adventure.

  Time to go back.

  The magician Cylydar was waiting for him.
"I take it you have disposed of the nuisance?"

  "Yes, he will not be bothering you again."

  "Where is the body?"

  "The body?" Ahlbhenzer frowned, although because of his horned and knobby brow it was difficult to tell. "The man fled. There is no body."

  The magician nearly dropped the scrying glass. "You let him live?" The mage's rage was terrible to behold and Ahlbhenzer shivered. "Since when do you let trespassers live?"

  Ahlbhenzer's tail fell in dejection. "I saw no reason. He was no longer a threat."

  "Don't question me or my orders, Ahlbhenzer. I told you to dispose of him."

  "I did." But he knew his protestations would have no effect on Cylydar.

  "I like this not. I see I will have to reeducate you on your proper station. Into the box with you. Now!"

  Ahlbhenzer gave out a keen of rage and panic, but even as he tried to flee he could feel the magic tether tighten around his throat, could feel himself contracting until within seconds he was ten times smaller ...and completely helpless. Cylydar reached down and plucked him off the floor as if he was no better than a mouse, then opened the lid to a large ebony box on his desk and dropped the demon inside. "Reflect upon your past indiscretions and how you have failed me," he said as he shut it. "You do not question your master."

  Ahlbhenzer huddled on the mirrored floor of the box and mewed in terror. The walls and lid were mirrored as well, the light provided by Cylydar's power. Everywhere he turned his visage looked back at him in endless and devolving repetition, stretching onward to seeming infinity. "Fhennezel, why have you abandoned me?" he whined as he fought to maintain his sanity, fought to remember what was down, up, left and right. He would have closed his eyes but, being a demon, was not graced with eyelids. Instead he could only stare back at the accusing Ahlbhenzers around him while continually vowing he would never disobey Cylydar again.

  When Cylydar finally deigned to release him it was evening. Ahlbhenzer wasn't sure if hours had passed or days, but the time had not served to soften the magician's anger. "Make yourself presentable, we have visitors," he said as he reversed the spell. Ahlbhenzer groaned in pain as he slowly reverted to his original size; between his time in the box and the agony of regrowth, he was in no condition to meet anyone. Protesting, however, was out of the question.

  "Shall I dress as a valet?" he asked between gritted teeth.

  The magician tugged at his goatee. "Unnecessary. This is not a social occasion. How you appear now will do."

  Ahlbhenzer gasped as he was yanked by the invisible leash out of the study and down the hall. Who would visit Cylydar? he wondered as he stumbled behind the magician. The mage lived alone, by necessity and preference. Except for Ahlbhenzer no others shared his castle. And guests had only visited several times in the past three years, emissaries of the king and several magicians. There was also the odd hostage or two but Ahlbhenzer didn't believe those counted. But he did recognize the being who greeted them in the magician's dining hall. "Fhennezel," he blurted and collapsed to his knees.

  The demon lord looked at him, sniffed, turned to Cylydar. "Is this why you summoned me?" He flicked his tail in disgust.

  "You have not fulfilled our agreement," Cylydar said as he took his seat. Then he glared at Ahlbhenzer. "Stand up, idiot!"

  Ahlbhenzer rose slowly, his skin turning from green to sickly yellow as he wilted under the stares of both the demon and the magician. His tail, normally erect, rested limply on the floor.

  "I'm sorry," Fhennezel said as he cradled a glass of wine in one taloned hand. "Why are you upset?"

  "This demon," and Cylydar nearly jerked Ahlbhenzer off his feet, "continues to disobey my orders! He is more than worthless."

  "Is this true?" Fhennezel said to Ahlbhenzer in their own tongue. Demon speech is in ultrasonic frequencies; Cylydar could only assume they were merely looking at each other.

  "He told me to stop an intruder. I did so. He was upset I didn't kill the human."

  Fhennezel addressed the magician. "You demanded a demon, I gave you one. There were no other conditions."

  "This one is as dense as the village idiot! Even when I give him precise instructions he defies me! This is not acceptable," and he slammed his fist on the table.

  "You've had him three years. He should be housebroken by now."

  "Please, Fhennezel, take me with you! I cannot bear any more of this!"

  "Shut up and stand up straight, you craven fool. What Cylydar does to you is none of my concern." Fhennezel finished his wine and crushed the golden goblet, then tossed the remains to Cylydar. "I see no justification for your complaint. He is your responsibility now."

  "Fhennezel, you have cheated me for the last time."

  Fhennezel smiled. "On the contrary. I'll cheat you at every opportunity. Just as you will cheat me. If you'll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to." He glared one more time at Ahlbhenzer. "And you," he hissed in their tongue, "start acting like a demon." Then he was gone in a blast of acrid smoke.

  Cylydar swore, then sneezed. "Clean this up," he said and stalked from the room.

  Head and tail down, Ahlbhenzer obeyed. He retrieved the ruined goblet and cradled it lovingly. His high lord and master had been here, had actually touched this goblet! Ahlbhenzer shivered with delight at the thought he possessed something that had once been used by Fhennezel.

  Then his thoughts shifted. "Start acting like a demon." What did Fhennezel mean by that? It certainly wasn't a philosophical question; after all, he was a demon and could only act as one. How had he failed them, both his lord and his new master? His thoughts returned longingly to the granite caverns of his youth, the lava flows where he and others cavorted, the delightful smell of brimstone that permeated everything. He hadn't even minded the constant tormenting from his instructors as they tried to show him The Way. And then Fhennezel had given him to Cylydar.

  But he could not hold his master accountable. It must be Cylydar, he concluded. The mage was still angry he had not killed that knight. But that was not The Way. Only the humans killed for enjoyment or cruelty. Surely Fhennezel knew and understood, surely he could not want Ahlbhenzer to violate such a basic principle.

  Now back in his own chambers, Ahlbhenzer settled himself on the block of granite that served as his bed and tried to sleep. But with so many questions to ponder he knew he would get none this evening.

  "Don't leave any dust on that mirror. Place that book back where you found it. Leave the candlesticks alone. Be sure to refill the lamp."

  Ahlbhenzer sighed and gave a withering glare to the stuffed owl perched on the mantle in the library. It continued its string of instructions unaware and undeterred.

  Ahlbhenzer hated housecleaning as he was too short to reach mantles and such without a stool and his claws were ill-equipped to handle a broom or feather duster. But, being the only help, he was the only option.

  "Don't open that book," it hooted as he wiped dust off a large tome. Ahlbhenzer glanced at it with growing interest. This was the first time he had been allowed in Cylydar's library. Usually Cylydar maintained this room himself, but today the magician claimed more pressing matters and ordered him to perform the pedestrian duties. The thick book was covered with runes and appeared to be made of something other than leather. A book of spells perhaps? he wondered. Or just the family diary? Knowing what was certain to happen, Ahlbhenzer nonetheless flipped over the cover ...and was rewarded with a jolt of pain as the magical tether tightened around his neck.

  Gasping, he let the book close and stepped back. The pressure relaxed immediately. The tether. He cursed the magician for imprisoning him with it. The invisible leash was with him always, ensuring he would remain in the servitude of Cylydar. If somehow I could remove it ...

  But not today, he knew. The owl began its string of instructions once again so Ahlbhenzer quickly returned to his labors. But not before lingering several more minutes over the forbidden book.

  "Quit standing there and make y
ourself useful. Bring me that trunk."

  It was evening of the following day. The magician had been working on a formula in his laboratory while Ahlbhenzer cowered in a corner. The magical bright light that flowed from the glowing globe high in the ceiling was blinding him, and without eyelids he could only use his arms to shield himself. He hated being around Cylydar while the mage was experimenting. Too often he was the subject.

  "I said now!" and Ahlbhenzer felt an insistent tug on his leash.

  Chastened, he walked to the trunk the magician pointed at. It was large and wide and he had a struggle getting his arms around it even at the sides. Even with his great strength it was going to be difficult to move. Ahlbhenzer sank his claws into it and managed to lift it off the floor. Using his tail and wings for balance, he started slowly toward his master.

  His clawed feet, so helpful when outdoors, were nearly useless on the smooth granite floor. Something shifted within the heavy trunk, jeopardizing his balance. Ahlbhenzer tried to compensate but lost his footing. As he fell backward, he found himself looking straight at the glowing globe. He screamed then and dropped the trunk as he tried to shield his eyes from the searing light. The trunk crashed majestically on the floor, scatting paraphernalia everywhere.

  "What kind of moronic incompetent idiot are you?" Cylydar raged as he turned to see Ahlbhenzer rolled up and shaking on the floor, the telltale wreckage about him. "You have ruined my experiment!" Muttering curses, Cylydar approached the cowering demon. "You will pay dearly for this, Ahlbhenzer. To the box with you!"

  Ahlbhenzer felt himself jerked to his feet, then the terrible pain of compression, then the magician's cold fingers squeezing his now-minuscule body. "Fhennezel and I will have another talk," the magician vowed. Minutes later Ahlbhenzer was back in the box, looking at a myriad of Ahlbhenzers stretching endlessly in all directions.